Initially, the characters looked like "33" to me, rather than "55" but, now that I look at it again, I think the blurry figures in the last photo actually are "BT" with fairly long "tails" on the "cross" of the T (which would explain the vertical lines on the right side of the right-hand character) and a "foot" (horizontal line across the bottom) to the T. The case would be consistent with an instrument of that age, as well.

I guess maybe I've never seen a "55." From other threads in the past, I concluded that the "55" must be the unmarked professional model that was sometimes erroneously referred to as "Depose" because that word was the only marking other than the Selmer logo. I've never seen a Selmer clarinet actually marked with a "55" (which doesn't mean they don't exist).

Pending confirmation of the letters between the stars, I'd say it's a BT.

HI friends, I'm a bit bothered by the ?appearance? of an adjusting screw on the G#, or don't I see clearly ? On a repeated look, pic #3 seems to show one !! The logo is much the same as on my 1956 CT [P series] and my 1932 RI [F B], but my 1929 A has a much diff logo [an oval] and initials HS, I'm told it was tuned by Henri himself, but it has the G# screw ! A serial # [GBK] should answer all ?'s, with referring to those sites where I've seen pics of the many Sel models and much info.. Luck, Don

Wow--$2 Selmer BT? Reminds me of the Monday morning a student of mine, just beginning 7th grade, brought in a tenor saxophone for me to look over. His parents had purchased it over the weekend at a garage sale in somewhere in nothern Wisconsin for $75.00 and wanted to know if it was OK to use for the school band. I assured him it was adequate--a near-mint condition Selmer Mark VI.

I picked up a Conn 16 [in a wreath, UJ and bell], a 17/6 plastic for $34, thinking to give it to a student or teacher. With a fair bit of tweaking, matching mp to barrel to UJ bores, its a dern good playing horn !! It has no ser #, or other identification, BUT, it is poly cyl/ conical from 15.02 mm top of UJ to 14.8+ at bot of UJ. Any info/thots will be appreciated. May start a new thread re: it later. TKS, Don

I have a 55 (mostly - the barrel is Buffet). Below the barrel, it says DEPOSE. Below that is the emblem HENRI SELMER. Below that is FRANCE. Below that is 55 - no mistake, clear as day. No serial number.

As best as I can figure out, the 55 was a one-year-only (1939) to commemorate 55 years since the Selmer factory opened in 1885. The person who gave it to me said he had been told it was worthless, or at least not worth fixing up. I'll check with my tech. I haven't tried to play it, but I'm sure it hasn't been used in many years.

I got a Bundy bass for free last year from our tuba player (he plays some low single reeds, especially tenor sax if I remember correctly). It plays fairly well mechanically speaking (tends to play sharp and needs some work). Needs some work, but it's ok as it for now.

Last year I was given four and a half clarinets and two flutes. Included were two and a half plastic Selmer Bundys a wooden Bundy and a plastic Buscher. I had the two flutes repaired (both Selmer Bundys) one was given to a fifth grader and my wife kept the other. She likes it better than her Armstrong. The plastic clarinets were also given away to students, except the one missing an upper joint. The wooden Bundy I still have and will pass it on soon I suspect. It plays pretty good too. Of course these were all student level instruments but it was still fun fixing them up and giving them away. I was also given a violin and a trombone. The violin is being used a loaner in our church orchestra and no one seems too interested taking up the trombone yet.